November recalls From NHTSA

NHTSA Publishes List of November 2001 Recalls

The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in November 2001 and urged consumers to have the problems fixed promptly.

The list identifies the make and model of the vehicle or equipment involved, with a brief description of the safety problem.

NHTSA said it is publicizing the recalls to alert consumers about safety problems and encourages them to take action. Under federal law, safety problems must be remedied without cost to consumers. Currently, 72 percent of the owners of vehicles with safety problems have the recall work performed.

NHTSA said manufacturers are required to mail a recall notice to all purchasers, owners and dealers when a safety defect or noncompliance with federal safety standards is found. The agency urges owners to wait until they receive notification from the manufacturer before contacting their dealers to schedule the repair work. Not all vehicles of a particular make and model may be subject to the recall.

Consumers can get up-to-the-minute information on safety recall campaigns, or information on the recall history of a particular make and model of car, truck, motorcycle, or child safety seat, by calling the agency's toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or by accessing NHTSA on the Internet at www.nhtsa.dot.gov. The Hotline also can be used to report safety problems.

SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGNS
November 2001

VEHICLES:
CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES

American Honda Motor Company

Models: Honda CR-V

Years: 2002

Number Involved:6,744Dates of Manufacture:September-October 2001Defect: These sport utility vehicles are equipped with two seat belt pretensioners - retractor and buckle - in both the driver and front passenger seating positions. Some buckle pretensioners use a part that restricts the full motion of the mechanism. If these pretensioners activate in a crash, the seat belt could unlatch, leaving the front seat occupants unrestrained.Remedy: Dealers will repair both front seat belt buckle pretensioners. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Nov. 14, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.[NHTSA Recall No. 01V351]

Bayerische Motoren Werke

Models: BMW 5 Series

Years: 2002

Number Involved:1,318 Dates of Manufacture:September - October 2001 Defect: During the tire mounting process on certain passenger vehicles (except M5) built with standard (non-sport) suspensions and equipped with Continental ContiTouringContact CH95 EcoPlus tires, size 225/65R16 95H, having DOT codes 4001, 4101, or 4201, the outer sidewall surface of these tires may have been cut by a sharp edge. Operation of the vehicle over a long period of time could lead to a reduction of inflation pressure. Continued driving with low inflation pressure in the tire could ultimately result in damage to the tire, affect vehicle handling and control, and could in some cases result in a vehicle crash. Remedy: Dealers will inspect all five tires for a possible cut in the sidewall, and if a cut is found, the tire will be replaced. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Dec. 10, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V352]

DaimlerChrysler Corporation

Models: Jeep Grand Cherokee

Years: 2002

Number Involved: 38,700Dates of Manufacture: July - September 2001Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles, the onboard vapor recovery system vent hose may have been misrouted. This could allow water to enter the canister, which can cause fuel to spill out of the filler tube when refueling the tank. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and reposition, if necessary, the vent hose. If the vent hose is found in the bent down position, and the vehicle has been driven more than 20 miles, the canister assembly will be replaced. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Dec. 3, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V348/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. A02]

Hyundai Motor America

Models: Hyundai Tiburon

Years: 1997-2001

Number Involved:42,782 Dates of Manufacture:March 1996 - August 2000 Defect: On these passenger vehicles, the driver and front passenger seat belts may not extend and retract smoothly through the D-ring guides mounted on the body pillars aft of the doors. If the seat belts do not extend and retract smoothly, they may twist in the D-ring guides and make it inconvenient to extend and retract the seat belts. If the seat belts are inconvenient to use, the seat occupant may not be inclined to wear the seat belts properly, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Remedy: Dealers will install a stopper over each front seat belt D-ring guide to assist the seat belt to smoothly extend and retract. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Dec. 10, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V345/Hyundai Recall No. 046]

Hyundai Motor America

Models: Hyundai Accent

Years: 2000-2001

Number Involved:26,608 Dates of Manufacture:August 1999 - May 2001 Defect: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 1.5-liter or 1.6-liter engines that were originally sold or are currently registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, while driving at a steady throttle opening for an extended period of time during extremely cold ambient temperatures (below approximately -5 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity), moisture in the combustion chamber can freeze and block the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve and hose. If the PCV hose freezes, combustion chamber gases are forced through the breather hose into the air intake hose and then into the throttle body. Moisture in the combustion chamber may freeze inside the throttle body bore and throttle body idle speed control circuit, resulting in the throttle valve not closing fully and a higher than normal idle speed when the accelerator pedal is released. Remedy: Dealers will install a new, relocated PCV hose. On the 2000-2001 Accents equipped with 1.5-liter engines that were produced through Jan. 31, 2001, dealers will additionally install a heated throttle body. Hyundai has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. [NHTSA Recall No. [01V346/Hyundai Recall No. 047]

Hyundai Motor America

Models: Hyundai Sonata

Years: 1999-2001

Number Involved:86,513 Dates of Manufacture:March 1998 - November 2000 Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) air bag warning light could illuminate due to motion of the side impact air bag wiring harness and side impact air bag wiring harness connector that mount to the adjustable seat cushion assembly. This condition relates only to the driver and/or passenger seat-mounted side impact air bags. Remedy: Dealers will service the front seat side impact air bag wiring harness. Hyundai has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V347]

Hyundai Motor America

Models: Hyundai XG300

Years: 2001

Number Involved:1,963 Dates of Manufacture:August - September 2000 Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, improperly manufactured powertrain control modules (PCM) were installed. The improperly manufactured PCMs contained a condenser that was not correctly installed onto the PCM printed circuit board. The incorrect installation of the condenser could result in damage to the ignition failure sensor. A damaged ignition failure sensor could result in engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy: Dealers will inspect the PCM to determine if it was manufactured during the affected production period. If necessary, the PCM will be replaced. Hyundai has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V362/Hyundai Recall No. 048]

Mitsubishi America

Models: Mitsubishi Mirage

Years: 1999-2001

Number Involved:18,630 Dates of Manufacture:Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the bolt securing the crankshaft pulley can become loose, and the pulley could fall off the vehicle, resulting in a loss of power steering assist. Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles to insure that the bolt is tightened. For those bolts not properly tightened, the bolt and pulley will be removed and inspected for any indication of damage. Components showing any signs of damage will be replaced and the bolt tightened to the proper torque. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Nov. 26, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V340001/Mitsubishi Recall No. SR-01-010]

Nissan North America, Inc.

Models: Nissan Sentra

Years: 2000-2001

Number Involved:103,000 Dates of Manufacture:January 2000 - May 2001 Defect: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 1.8-liter engines, the engine could stop running while being driven due to a defective crank position sensor. This could also result in the "Service Engine Soon" warning light coming on or reduced engine power. If the engine stops running while the vehicle is in motion, it could result in a crash. Remedy: Dealers will replace the crank position sensors. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Dec. 10, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V357]

Triumph Motorcycles

Models:

Triumph Sprint ST

Year:2000-2001

Triumph Sprint RS

Year:2000-2001

Triumph Daytona 955I

Year:2000-2001

Triumph Tiger

Year:2000-2001

Triumph Tiger

Year:2000-2001

Triumph Speed Triple

Year:2000-2001

Triumph TT600

Year:2000-2001

Number Involved:3,427

Dates of Manufacture:August 2000 - June 2001

Defect:On these motorcycles, the clutch control cable can fray and fail. The barrel at the end of the inner cable seizes in the control lever bore, thereby stressing the inner cable. This causes the rider to be unable to engage the clutch, increasing stopping distances and inhibiting driver control. Remedy:Dealers will replace the clutch cable. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin during January 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Triumph at 1-678-854-2010. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V339]

MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES

Blue Bird Body Company

Models:

Blue Bird Q-Bus

Year:1999-2001

Blue Bird Commercial

Year:1999-2001

Blue Bird TC2000

Year: 1999-2001

Blue Bird All American

Year: 1999-2001

Number Involved: 1,500

Dates of Manufacture: February 14 - October 4, 2001

Defect: On certain school and transit buses, there is inadequate tightening of the 5/8-inch bolts on the rear air suspension hanger bolts and on rear axle torque arm axle seat studs. Insufficient tightening permits movement between the components that could result in bolts and studs breaking, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy: Dealers will replace the 5/8-inch grade 8-hanger bolts. In addition, axle spring seat fasteners will be checked for proper tightness and, if needed, tightened to specifications. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Dec. 20, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Blue Bird at 1-912-822-2242. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V338/Blue Bird Recall No. R01FL]

Freightliner Corporation

Models:

Freightliner XCS

Year: 2001

Freightliner XB

Year: 2001

Freightliner XC

Year: 2001

Freightliner VCL

Year: 2001

Freightliner Business Class

Year: 2001

American LaFrance Eagle

Year: 2001

American LaFrance Metropolitan

Year: 2001

Orion V

Year: 2001

Thomas MVP ER

Year: 2001

Thomas ER Transit

Year: 2001

Number Involved: 2,700

Dates of Manufacture:

Defect: On certain medium duty trucks, fire trucks, transit buses, and school buses equipped with electronic throttle control/accelerator pedals supplied by Williams Controls Industries, the weld attaching the clevis to the plate has insufficient penetration and could allow the clevis to separate from the plate. If the clevis separated from the plate while the vehicle was in use, the vehicle would return to idle, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy: Dealers will replace these pedals. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin during January 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Freightliner at 1-800-547-0712. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V322002/Freightliner Recall No. FL-389A]

Freightliner Corporation/Thomas Built Buses, Inc.

Models:

Models: Thomas MVP ER

Year: 2001

Thomas MVP EF

Year: 2001

Thomas Saf-T-Liner

Year: 2001

Thomas Conventional

Year: 2001

Number Involved: 708

Noncompliance:Certain school buses fail to conform to the requirements of FMVSS No. 222, "School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection." Some seats (1) fail to meet the required four-inch clearance during the test procedure, while still meeting the post test condition; (2) fail to meet the required frontal pre-load when testing under certain conditions; or (3) while still meeting the required force/defection, experience weld breakage.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat frame and the seat back cushion on these vehicles. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Nov. 13, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Thomas Built at 1-336-889-4871. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V341]

EQUIPMENT

Britax Child Safety, Inc.

Models: Britax Advantage E9022

Number Involved:4,959 Noncompliance: Some convertible child restraints, Model E9022, fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213, "Child Restraint Systems." The Advantage model has a shell insert to accommodate a harness height adjustment. In a crash, the shell could separate from the seat shell attachment point and allow half of the tether to come loose. The seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury. Remedy: Consumers with the affected seats are being instructed to contact Britax in order to receive a free repair kit. The manufacturer has reported that notification began Nov. 29, 2001. Owners should contact Britax Customer Service at 1-888-427-4829. [NHTSA Recall No. 01E058]

CRC Industries, Inc.

Models:

Auto Pride Brake Parts Cleaner

Models:

Auto Pride Engine Degreaser

Number Involved:18,348 Dates of Manufacture:June and September 2001 Defect: Certain cans of Auto Pride Brake Parts Cleaner and Auto Pride Engine Degreaser, labeled as 05089AP, were mislabeled in the production process and do not inform the user that the formula in the can is flammable. If this product is used in an area where there is the presence of an ignition source, a fire could result. Remedy: CRC is notifying its distributors and customers to return the product for a free replacement. The manufacturer has reported that distributor/owner notification began Nov. 27, 2001. Owners should contact CRC Industries at 215-674-4300. [NHTSA Recall No. 01E059]